"Here is another kind, a little fellow. That certainly looks different from all the others," said Alfred, as they stopped in front of a hangar.
"That's the Sopworth tractor, a fine, speedy machine, with square ends to the planes, and a heart-shaped tail. It can be distinguished at any altitude," answered Tom.
"I notice that that has different tails," said Ralph. "Does that make any difference in the flying?"
"Not in the least. Shape has nothing to do with it. Surface is all that counts. They are made with distinctive forms so that they may be easily distinguished, one from the other."
"We saw some German airplanes, several dozens of them, in Belgium, and the only one I could recognize was the Taube, as they called it. They have fan-shaped tails," said Alfred.
"But here is the machine for business," said Tom, as they halted in front of a gaily decorated hangar, and pointed to a trim little machine, which was being overhauled.
"I see you have the Stars and Stripes above the door," said Ralph.
"Yes; and this is my machine; isn't it a beauty?" said Tom with a considerable show of pride.
"What is it? I mean what make?" asked Alfred.
"It is a French Morane; I have made many trips in it," said Tom, "and now I am going to use it against the Dutchies."